Category Archives: Genealogy

My Path to Certification – Issue No. 4

Today is August 1st. I promised to submit my application to the BCG on August 1st. Well, I completed the application last Friday and put it in the mail. Hopefully, it arrived in Washington, D.C., about today. I can’t take it back at this point so I should consider myself officially on the clock. I feel a mixture of emotions from excitement to panic. I wonder if I can possibly pull this off in the next year. We shall see!

After taking the plunge and finally submitting the application, I worked on some other aspects of my plan. I don’t really have a plan, per se, past knowing that I have a year to submit my portfolio. I know some people who schedule what element they will work on each month. I do want to do a major portion of work on my KDP first so that I can put it aside and come back to it later. I feel such a large piece of writing needs to sit so I can go back and make improvements with a clearer vision. I can only do that if I walk away at some point. Right now I’m try to figure out how to continue researching but transition from research to writing. One strategy I am trying is—to just sit with a pad of paper and pencil and write with a purpose. For example, chose one section of the KDP to write about. No fact-checking or writing footnotes. Just write. I can go back later and correct the specifics and add the footnotes.

I received a great recommendation for a book this week—On Writing Well by William Zinsser. The 30th anniversary edition includes a chapter on writing family history (which I haven’t read yet). I believe the book is helping my brain make this transition from researching to putting pen to paper (or fingers to the keyboard). Writing is such an important part of the portfolio (or the job of being a genealogist). Learning to write well should be an integral part of any genealogist’s education plan. I have read my share of absolutely boring family histories. I do not want to be one of those family history writers who strings a bunch of facts with footnotes together to make a narrative. I want to breathe life into my ancestors! Finding a balance between sound technical genealogical writing and entertaining family narrative is my goal. A couple take-a-ways from the book so far:

Use action verbs and consistent verb tenses – These are both lessons I learned during my time at BU and ProGen, and I cannot stress them enough. I hear them repeated at genealogy seminars and conventions continually. It’s great to read a non-genealogy related person give the same advice.
Writing is hard work. It requires practice just like any other craft. Find a writer whose style you admire. Read the journals—NEHGS, NGS, TAG, etc.—to find a fellow genealogist whose style you like.
Use a dictionary and thesaurus – I have a beat-up copy of Roget’s Thesaurus that I have used since my college days. I still use it!
De-clutter your words – If you can get the point across with fewer words, do it!

In the last week, besides my trip to the Family History Library to copy microfilm, I spent part of my weekend downloading journal articles (and not genealogy ones!) In order to add historical context and knowledge to my narrative, I must learn about the social, historical, and economic factors that may have influenced my ancestors lives. Sites like JSTOR and Internet Archive provide access to historical texts. I downloaded articles on the early history of my county as well as contemporary books that were written for people interested in migrating to the region where my ancestors lived. With these, for example, I gained insight on diseases that may have affected my ancestors or construction projects (railroads, canals) that impacted their lives.

Genealogical Standard 57: Background information—“Assembled research results provide sufficient background information for readers to understand…what [an item] means in context of…place and time…[which] may include concepts from economics, ethnic studies, genetics, geography, government, history, law, religion, sociology, and other fields.”

I finished my sweater this weekend. Now, I’m working on completing another “almost-done” project—a sweater I started for my son last fall. He has grown a couple inches since then so hopefully he will get some use out of it!

My teacher hat goes back on this week. School starts next week so I must parcel out my time and prioritize my various projects more efficiently. Until next time!

©2017 copyright owned Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2017/08/01/my-path-to-certification-issue-no-4/

David’s Diary – February 16, 1970

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Monday, 16 February 1970

Up at 9:00, after Θ. As soon as we had breakfast, I went on errands—walked to the P.O.—mailed Methodist men letters, returned Bible Atlas + IB Deuteronomy to Cokesbury. Went to the church to change the wayside pulpit and set up poster for benevolences. When I got home I took pictures. Took several slides to use in my Dead Sea Scroll[s] lecture. Also took some of Debbie (took some of her at breakfast—with cereal in her hair); she’s 1½ years old today. Late in the morning Cameron, Bill + Ezra came over—we wanted to get some photos of Ezra + Debbie playing together. Finished the color roll—went through half a black + white roll. We had lunch about noon, then Bonnie left for work. My afternoon was spent preparing for my lecture tomorrow night. For the most part this took the afternoon. I worked until 6:30. Then helped Bonnie with supper. Watched CBS news. In the early evening I played with Debbie. Then back to work on the lecture. We called Carters in Boston to find out [about?] the Webers. They were uncertain about coming out. By ten I had finished the lecture. Very weary. Took a snack break; then got back to my desk—but didn’t accomplish much. Stopped at 11:00 to watch the news; Lee Weber called that they aren’t coming; watched TV, i.e., Johnny Carson; Bonnie + I bathed together; OBLO 12:40.

Tuesday, 17 February 1970

Watched TV too late last night—got up at 9:30, but I was feeling pretty droopy. Had breakfast, then tried to review the first half of Lindblom’s book Prophecy in Ancient Israel—i.e., my underlining. Didn’t really have my heart in it—I didn’t start this til late in the morning; earlier did some phoning, to Uhlinger, Jack Roberts, Gladys Haskell. Late in the morning, the Sesto’s left for Concord—the baby is due soon, and they won’t be coming back until the birth. After we had lunch, Bonnie left for work I shaved, then got to work on my afternoon’s main concern: polishing and practicing my lecture for tonight. It was just before noon that I put Debbie down for a nap. She was so sleepy she was almost hysterical. She didn’t wake up til almost 4:00. I gave her a snack in her room—didn’t want to spoil her supper. Took a picture of her—which finished the b + w roll. I got it ready to go; ironed my trousers. When Bonnie got home we got supper, watched CBS news. About 7:00—Bonnie took Debbie to Drue’s—about 7:15 I left for St. Mary’s. Lecture program started at 7:30—was over by 9:00—a good experience; we went to Drue + Sully’s—came home about 10:30. Relaxed, read, bathed , —together; OBLO before 12. Θ

Wednesday, 18 February 1970

Up about 9:00; had breakfast, shaved—felt rather lethargic—puttered around at my desk, got my briefcase ready to go. Time slipped away, and I didn’t get to Aramaic as I had intended. I took the 11:15 train to Boston. Read Finkelstein’s on The Pharisees on the way in. At N. Station bought the March issue of Playboy. I got off the MTA at Copley Square, went to Cokesbury—as usually they didn’t have what I wanted: TEV of the NT. So I headed in the general direction of MASS. Bible society—a good day for walking. In the Paperback Booksmith the fellow at the cash register turned out to be a student who’d taken a course with Dr. Beck—we recognized one another. He inscribed a copy of In the Name of America to take to Beck. I got 2 copies of TEV at Mass Bible, got back on MTA at Park St. Went to BU—just about 2:00—had my lunch (glanced through Playboy), went to Beck’s class late. From 3:00–4:00 did errands + made tea with Beck. We got the news that the “Chicago 7” had been acquitted of conspiracy changes—I found out later that they’d (5 of 7) been convicted of riot charges. Seminar 4:00–6:00; rode home on the train with Brother Jerome from St. Peters. Got home after 8:00; had supper. Finally got round (called Wally Aufrecht) to working on Aramaic after playing with Debbie—took time to watch 11:00 o’clock news; bathed; back to Aramaic, OBLO, 12:40.

Thursday, 19 February 1970

Up about 9:00; had a bowl of hot oatmeal at my desk—went right to work on translating Aramaic—Genesis Apocryphon. I called the Gloucester camera shop—my slides were in, so Bonnie went over to get them; I shaved, prepared sandwiches—I hadn’t noticed the ones Bonnie had made! She arrived home with the slides shortly before I had to leave. I took them with me on the train—along with Richardson’s originals. Caught the 11:15 train; Read Finkelstein’s The Pharisees on the way in. took the trolley to Kenmore—walked to BU from there. Had my lunch; did some studying before 2:00—from 2:00–3:00 OT Theology. Then from 3:00-4:00 I did some more studying—not too vigorously though. Went to Aramaic at 4:00. But we didn’t get much work done! Instead Richardson explained many of the slides to me. Then he called it quits at 4:50. I was able to catch the 5:50 train. Read Finkelstein on the way home. Got home at 7:00. Helped Bonnie with supper. Then in the evening I put some time in on the sermon—made some progress. Also had a long phone chat with Jim Bussey. Watched the 11 o’clock news; Bonnie + I bathed together; watched some of Johnny Carson; OBLO 12:15.

Friday, 20 February 1970

Took several B + W snapshots of Debbie in afternoon. Awake around 8:00; Θ before getting up about 8:30. Had breakfast—Bonnie went back to bed; I stayed with Debbie til she finished eating, then put her in her room. I then turned to working on my sermon. Continued with this until the mail man arrived; he brought slides from Mail-A-Way—including ones which I had taken for my Dead Sea Scrolls lecture. After viewing the slides with the projector, I went to Gloucester. Bought B + W film, and went to Wades [?] to get a loose-leaf notebook for my Qumran lecture. Got home a few minutes after 12:00. Had lunch. Bonnie left for work—Debbie was hard at play—and I continued (dated the slides) to work on my sermon. I stopped at one point to start the new roll of film on Debbie. About mid-afternoon she went down for her nap. I finished the sermon about 4:00, then worked on the bulletins—finished them after 5:00. Then I turned to work on the Dead Sea Scrolls lecture—reorganizing the slides. I stopped to help Bonnie with supper about 6:30. Watched CBS news. At 7:30 got back to work—spent the evening on my slide program; typing sheets for the loose-leaf notebook. Paul called from NY (Schenectady) about 10:00—he is ill—so they won’t be out this weekend as they’d planned; bathed about 11:30. Watched some of Johnny Carson; OBLO, 12:35.

Debbie with Ezra, February 1970

©2017 copyright owned and transcribed by David Madison and Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2017/08/01/davids-diary-february-16-1970/

David’s Diary – February 11, 1970

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Wednesday, 11 February 1970

Up about 9:30. Shaved, had a good breakfast. Prepared to leave for Boston; left town by car shortly after 11:00. I went to Somerville looking for NE Color Research—I finally found them—but they wanted 90¢ apiece to duplicate slides! Couldn’t afford that. Spent some time at the Harvard Coop. I got to BU just about 2 o’clock, in time for Dr. Beck’s OT Theology. When this was over I hurredly [sic] ate my lunch in the lounge, went to the jewelry store to get earrings for Bonnie for Valentines Day, went to Sears to get Bonnie’s new set of cooking pans—7 piece set in flame red. Got back to BU in time for seminar at 4 o’clock. Heard two long papers. It’s too much in one session to hear 2 papers—no time for discussion. We let out about 6:00. I arrived home shortly after 7:00. We left Debbie with Drue + Sully, went to Wesleyan Fellowship at the church—only 6 there besides Bonnie + myself. They’re going to call a meeting next month to consider disbanding. We saw a film on Methodist Benevolence programs: “On the 8^th Day.” Over about 9:45—we then spent [??] with Drue + Sully watching TV. Arrived home about 11:00. Relaxed—after a day constantly on the go. We slowly got around to getting ready for bed; bathed together. OBLO 12:23.

Thursday, 12 February 1970

Up about 9:30. Had breakfast, then prepared to go on my morning errands. Had to go to Gloucester to take Richardson’s slides to be duplicated—my second try. Then went to Wesley church, left off a film (“On the 8^th Day”)—back to Rockport. Dropped in to see Mrs. Haskell, then stopped at the church, picked up the movie projector + screen, dropped them off at the Congregational Church. Then came home, had lunch; then Bonnie left, shortly after 1:00, to go shopping. While she was gone I took Debbie on my back—we went down to Bearskin Neck—bought Bonnie two pair of earrings—for Valentine Day. When we got home I got to work on the worship service—for the kids going to the Joint Youth Fellowship ski weekend. This took the rest of the afternoon. Ate supper about 6:00. Arrived at the Baptist church about 7:15—with my record player. The sermon included 2 songs, “Nat’l Brotherhood Week” by Tom Leher, and “Blessed Are the Meek,” by Simon + Garfunkel. The worship service really didn’t go well; I felt no rapport whatever with the audience. The worship service simply is not their natural environment—most of them never have this experience; got home about 9:30. Very weary; had snack; bathed; OBLO, Θ before 12:00.

Friday, 13 February 1970

We were awake around 9:00. Θ—but unsuccessful. Since tomorrow I have to be getting up early, I decided to give Bonnie her Valentine gift—which I did before we got out of bed—the three sets of earrings: a conservative “loop” pair, a pair of “dangling boxes”—bright purple; and a pair of “chandellears”—long hanging ones from Pakistan [?]. After breakfast, Bonnie gave me a HAIRCUT. I didn’t get much work done in the morning. We ate lunch about noon. Then I took Bonnie to work—Debbie went along too, of course. I had several things to do when we got home. Then about 2:30 had to get ready to go again. Left Debbie off with the Ornes, then headed for Gloucester; stopped briefly at the grocery store, then went to the hospital for meeting with the drug crisis group; Jack Roberts had his draft proposal ready—asking $11,000 from the FFR. This was over about 4:30. I waited in the lab for Bonnie to get off work. We then headed to Rockport. Picked up Debbie, then came home; started working on supper. Jerry + Carol Lewis arrived about 6:30. We had supper. Spent the evening mainly playing cards (Tripoli) They left about 10:15. Bathed, OBLO, 11:35.

Saturday, 14 February 1970

Up about 7:45 Ugh! Had to get shaved, have breakfast—left the house at 9:00—headed for Worcester for my 11:20 appointment with the Board of Ministry. Made good time—the weather was fine, just cold. Arrived at Wesley Church in Worcester at about 10:45. Then had waiting to do—about an hour. The Board was small this year—only 12 or 14, then this group split up to speed the process—I was interviewed by about 6 or 7—from about 11:45-12:15. It was a good interview—I was treated very decently. They voted unanimously that I be ordained Elder in June. Rev. Harding assigned me to write a sermon on Amos. I left Wesley church at 12:30. On my way home—found Bonnie’s Valentine card in my sack lunch, signed “Frau Schultz”—Lea will get a kick out of that; stopped at Whittemores for bulletins. Headed home, arrived in Rockport at 3 o’clock. Then had to relax—very weary. After trying to nap a while I got to work at my desk. Did most of work on bulletins. Bonnie suggested we go out to eat. So we went to “The Surf” in Magnolia—Cameron Sesto came over with Ezra and stayed with Debbie. We were gone from 6:15–8:00. I finished the bulletins, then got to work on the sermon—on Jeremiah; it went very quickly. Done by about 11:15; we bathed together; OBLO c. 12. Θ

Sunday, 15 February 1970

Up about 8:15—Shaved, had breakfast, no Sunday School class—because Karen Haskell was on ski trip. Worked on the service, including practicing the sermon—then left for the church when Vicki Gamage got here to stay with Debbie. Got to the church about 10:40—it had been snowing all morning—several inches on the ground, so attendance was poor—only 9 in the congregation—18 in all—including myself. We were home by 12:30. Fixed lunch. The afternoon was spent at my desk. I was tempted to nap—but had too much to do. My desk was a mess—piled high with papers. I had to sort through this—also had to prepare the notices to be sent to the Methodist men. We had supper close to 7 o’clock. Then I got back to my desk, did some reading—also re-read my “What SI Prophecy?” in preparation for Tuesday night’s lecture—it will need to be revised somewhat and lengthened. About 8:30 we went down to Patriquins—the Gamages were there. We had a nice visit—came home about 10:30. I tried to work further, but really wasn’t in the mood; bathed about 11:00, watched news; OBLO, c. 12:00.

Debbie, February 1970

©2017 copyright owned and transcribed by David Madison and Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2017/07/31/davids-diary-february-11-1970/

Gladys – February 9, 1970

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Letter transcription:

118 Juniper Court
W. Lafayette, Ind. 47906
Feb. 9, 1970

Dear David, Bonnie & Debby,

The best time I could get out of NY on the 27^th was or rather is to arrive Boston at 3:24 PM American. Will drop you a line if there is any change. The best flight back on the 3^rd will be at noon from Boston. May change that, but we have time to do that. Would rather have an earlier flight if possible. That was the best time to make connections in Chicago to Lafayette.

We are having snow today and the temperature is around freezing. Norma Zell was coming here for lunch – then she had a committee meeting to attend, but called and said she was afraid to start. When Dad came home for lunch he said the country roads were slick – he had heard. The forecast is for freezing rain. I rather think I will stay home today. I have been driving, but don’t have to go out, so think it will be better to stay in. Dad put some mail in the box for me, so I really don’t have to go out. I am typing this with my left hand. Have to keep my right arm in the sling, or if I don’t it gets a little grouchy – like it starts to ache, and feels like it is going to swell – or do something else uncomfortable.

Get me an appointment with Drew for a shampoo and set on Sat. the 18^th.

Lea, Bob and our Japanese friend Akiko are coming for the Purdue-Illinois game Sat. They are coming on Friday evening. We are planning a Hoke-Pan dinner for them on Fri. Akiko will go back to Tokyo at the end of the school year. She will return to her teaching position at University in Tokyo.

Since this is no fun to write with one hand, and since I am so slow in getting things done – and I have a few things to do, I will save my conversation until I get to Rockport. However, I will add, I am bringing material for bathrobes for Bonnie and myself. I hope Bonnie can make mine while I am in Rockport. Also will bring dress material for myself which I will not be in a hurry about.

Love Mother

(by left hand)

©2017 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2017/07/30/gladys-february-9-1970/

David’s Dairy – February 6, 1970

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Friday, 6 February 1970

Didn’t get up til after 9:30. While shaving had a phone call from Don McGaw re: Alan Federick and other items; Alan is now in therapy 2 times as week at Boston College. I finished shaving, began or rather continued work on my sermon, with an interruption to look through the mail. We had lunch about 12:00. I took Bonnie to work—Debbie along—then stopped by the photo shop to pick up slides, stopped at Mals + grocery store. Came home, put Debbie down for a nap—then discovered that the photo shop had made prints instead of slides! Made some preliminary preparations for supper. Then woke Debbie up. Went to Busseys, then to the photo shop to discuss their mistake; then Jim and I went to the hospital for a meeting on drugs—exploring the possibilities of FFR money being used. This lasted til 5:00; we picked up Bonnie downstairs, returned to Busseys, picked up Debbie, and got home just about a minute before the Burtons arrived—we weren’t even in the house yet when they drove up. We spent the rest of the day with them; had supper, relaxed in my study, listened to the recording Tom Jones, then played Tripoli—I won! Then sat around talking for a while. Then Bonnie and I bathed (together)-then off to be, LO, 1:35.

Saturday, 7 February 1970

Up about 9:30. We had breakfast with the Burtons—spent a lethargic and slow morning together. They left about 11 o’clock. I took two pictures. Then I got to work. Made a little bit more progress on my sermon, Had lunch close to 1 o’clock. Then I set out on the afternoon’s errands. Went to the church to change the wayside pulpit—went to Richdales and bought a bottle of grape-juice. Came home, prepared communion. Then went to see Esther Longley. She’s 76 years old—and had her first haircut this last week—she was unable to take care of it long. Then went to see Mr. + Mrs. Hannibal. Shortly after 4:00 came home and went immediately to see Lucy Patience. I served communion to Esther + Lucy, but not Hannibals—Rip didn’t want it; he’s in a very bitter mood these days. After I got home I worked on the sermon further. Had supper around seven; finished the sermon. Then did the bulletins. Took time to read Act I of The Time of Your Life William Saroyan—the play for tomorrow night. This afternoon Debbie broke a bottle of Vaseline—had minor cuts, made a major mess. In a non-theist , and not-rational way (!) will define God as: “the power of love which is alive in the universe” not a person; not a personality; a power. Supra human? I doubt it—unless it’s present in other creatures of the universe, on earth + elsewhere. Bathed, read more in play, OBLO 12:40.

Sunday, 8 February 1970

Bonnie noticed Debbie’s 7^th [?] tooth today. Up about 8:40. Had breakfast, shaved—greeted my class at 9:30. We finished the Book of Amos. Left for the church; 38 in all; preached on the theme: “to love as never before.” We got home about 12:30. Had lunch—then I took up reading the play for tonight. Also dozed. About 3:30 Jerry Lewis called for us to meet him at Friendly’s Ice Cream Parlor in Gloucester—so that we could follow him to the Fisk organ company. We met him at 4:00. We got a good look at the organ being built for Old West Methodist in Boston—Debbie was on my back most of the time. I took quite a few pictures. We were home between 5:00 and 5:30. Very tired; we tried to nap; got up at 6:00. Fixed supper, then got ready to go. I took 2 pictures of Debbie in the new dress which Bonnie just made. Right after supper I called mother to see when she plans to come; she’ll be here the 27^th; she fell and broke her arm! RSY mentioned that the birthday card to Lea from “Grandma Schultz” got mailed from Dallas! [1] Bonnie left Debbie at Patriquins; Lewises picked us up, took us to play reading—a thoroughly delightful evening—with Mr. Rapp [?] sounding like W.C.Fields!—in the part of Kit Carson. We picked up Debbie about 11:00, came home, caught weather report; I bathed; OBLO 12:05.

Monday, 9 February 1970

Got a late start this morning—wasn’t up til after 9:30. Had a bowl of instant oatmeal at my desk. Began reading again in Cross’s book—made a phone call to Rev. Johnson in Boston re: FFR—he wasn’t in—too [sic] call me back. It was a nice mild (for Feb.) day—so I went on an errand for Bonnie to the bank. When I got back I took up with Cross again. We had lunch about noon time. In the afternoon, as soon as Bonnie left for work, Debbie went to sleep. I continued with Cross—also spent some time organizing the slides for the Dead Sea Scrolls presentation. Then late in the afternoon I turned to reading Matthew Blacks, The Scrolls and Xn Origins—after finishing Cross’ book. Correction: didn’t start on Black til evening. After finishing Cross I started working on raising the door to Debbie’s room—so she can’t climb over it—Bonnie came home. She worked on supper, while I worked on gluing another strip of wood to the door. After supper + CBS news, Bonnie went to chorus rehearsal at 8:00. I view[ed] the slides, put Debbie to bed, worked in Black, dozed off—had a phone call from Margaret Reilley; read; worked on slide talk. Stopped to bathe c. 12:00; read more in Black; OBLO 1:05.

Tuesday, 10 February 1970

Up about 9:30. Had a bowl of hot oatmeal at my desk. Worked further on getting my Dead Sea slides in order. Completed (for the most part) notes to use tonight. When we had fixed lunch, I went up to get Debbie; she’d gotten ahold of a tube of Desitin—had smeared here + there, had eaten some. After lunch, and after Bonnie had gone to work, I took about an hour to build a small box to mount high above the dresser in Debbie’s room. Otherwise, my afternoon was pretty much devoted to getting ready for the Dead Sea presentation tonight. Phone call from Walter Aufrecht. Had to get the living room set up. Late in the afternoon I remounted the door to Debbie’s room. It’s now higher. Also mounted the box which I had built. Shortly after Bonnie got home we worked on supper. The Bible Class arrived at 8:00—there were 8 in attendance besides Bonnie + myself. They seemed to find the presentation of slides very interesting. Right before Bible Class Loyd Starrett called and twisted my arm into doing a worship service Thursday evening for the ski trip kids. I agreed reluctantly. After the Bible class left we had some ice cream, after putting Debbie to sleep. She’s taken her sleeper and her diapers off—was in bed nude with a puddle of pee on the cushion beside the bed; prepared “abbreviated sermon” for tomorrow night; bathed; OBLO, 12:50.

Debbie, February 1970

[1] This was a running family joke for years. Lea had a bit of a hearing impairment, and once, when attending a graduation, she was puzzled to hear, over and over, “Will Grandma Schultz please escort [insert name of graduate] to the stage…” It finally dawned on her that the announcement was, in fact, “Will the Grand Marshall please escort…etc.” She broke up laughing and told her husband why. The story spread and members of the family joined in the fun, sending Lea birthday cards anonymously, etc. from “Grandma Schultz.” Part of the game was to get people traveling to distance points to mail the cards.

©2017 copyright owned and transcribed by David Madison and Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2017/07/29/davids-dairy-february-6-1970/

Fayette Friday – Eudora Scofield

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Fayette Friday is a new series of posts on Fridays. My maternal grandfather, Eugene McGraw, a native of Fayette County, Indiana, counted among his ancestors many early settlers and leading citizens of the county. In the early 2000s, after visiting my grandfather in Indiana, I brought back to California a small family archive which included dozens of letters saved by my great grandmother, Ina (Kerschner) McGraw. My grandfather rescued them when he cleaned out his parents’ house in the 1970s. The collection contains a variety letters written to Ina, her siblings, aunts, uncles, and extended family. The letters connect many of the early nineteenth century Fayette county families, primarily the Scofields, Kerschners, and the Hacklemans.

Letter from Eudora Scofield to Hyatt L. Frost, undated.

Written before 1885 when Eudora married Osmond J. Condon in McLean County, Illinois
Also likely before 1880 when Eudora resided in Bloomington, Illinois
Hyatt L. Frost married Dora Burkheiser in 1882, Fayette County, Indiana
Eudora – born 24 August 1861, Connersville, Indiana, daughter of Thaddeus and Ellen (McCann) Scofield
Hyatt L. Frost – born 28 June 1860, Harrison Township, Fayette Co., Indiana, son of Eli and Melsena (Kerschner) Frost

Letter transcription:

Miss Eudora Scofield

presents her compliments to Mr. Hyatt Frost and solicits the pleasure of his company Friday evening 27th inst.

Connersville Indiana

©2017 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2017/07/28/fayette-friday-eudora-scofield/

David’s Diary – February 1, 1970

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Sunday, 1 February 1970

Up about 8:30—phone call from Roy Lee—Sue is sick and can’t teach her class; I was able to get Mrs. Haskell to step in. Shaved, had small breakfast; my Sunday school class met from 9:30–10:30—Karen + Bill say they’d like me to teach them Hebrew! Left for church—not very many out—preached on Micah. Home by 12:30. Had lunch, then went to work analyzing the C.A.M.P. Questionnaire. This occupied me until shortly before I had to leave. About 3:10 picked up Gladys Haskell; we drove to Riverdale C.A.M.P. Met until about 5:00. We decided to work with local groups and petition the Fund for Reconciliation for funds to help fight the drug problem; also agreed to show the film, “Black History: lost, strayed or stolen?” When I got home, helped fix supper; after which I did some desk work—sent $30 check to PP/WP; $40 to New Republic; $10 to Civil Liberties Union. About 7:30 left the house, mailed the letters, picked up Virginia Bate + Elizabeth Knowlton—we went to hear Congressman Harrington speaking in Gloucester—a good man—I introduced myself to him afterwards and told him I was satisfied with his answers. Came home (dropped of[f] Virg. + Eliz) had snack; bathed, OBLO c. 11:00. Θ

Monday, 2 February 1970

Up before 9:30. Had only juice for breakfast—my main concern for the day was a book by Harold R. Willoughby, Pagan Regeneration: A Study of Mystery Initiations in the Graeco-Roman World (1929) We will be touching on the mystery religions Wednesday in seminar. I spent the morning with this: also in the morning I called the Bishop’s office inquiring about my membership—still no word. But—around noon time I got a call—my transfer had come in late in the morning—but, it listed me as an Elder! After Bonnie got home from shopping (groceries) I helped her in the kitchen; we had lunch; she went to work—I got back to Willoughby’s book. I have found it very interesting—the parallels with Xnty are really striking—in some ways Christianity appears as a mystery religion among several mystery religions. I become more convinced that Xnty must divest itself of the superstitious elements: resurrection e.g. So much of the N.T. is objectionable—clearly a product of the mystery milieu. Helped Bonnie with supper; read until 6:30; watched CBS news. We left Debbie with Patriquins. Bonnie went to chorus rehearsal; I went to Gloucester—got check from C.A.M.P. treasurer; went to Concerned Citizens; home by 10:45; read in Willoughby; OBLO, 12:12.

Tuesday, 3 February 1970

My main concern of the day was to finish Willoughby’s book. I didn’t get up til 9:30. But I had just a brief breakfast, then got to work. Late in the morning I took time out to write a letter to Mrs. Myers. We had lunch around noon—then I went back to reading and Bonnie went to work. Late in the afternoon I shaved, then prepared my Bible lesson for tonight—chapters 9-12 of I Kings. I put chicken in the oven about 5:00. Then read some further. We had supper about 6:30. Shortly before 6:00 we had an hilarious time with Debbie and two balloons which Bonnie brought home from work. Debbie[’s] reaction to a balloon whipping around—the air jetting out—was priceless. After supper Bonnie got ready to go to chorus board meeting. I prepared to meet the Bible Class—6 in the class besides myself. This was over by 9:30—then I spent the rest of the evening finishing Willoughby. Beck stresses the importance of recognizing many “messiahs” (i.e., anointed one), e.g. Martin Luther King. This becomes increasingly important in view of all the religious clutter which surrounds the first Xn messiah, i.e., Jesus. Early Xnty is too close to the Mysteries—which were great hoaxes. Worked on annotated bibliography after finishing Willoughby; desk work; bathed; OBLO, 1:10.

Wednesday, 4 February 1970

Up about 9:30. We had a phone call from Carol Lewis—she’d like us to drive her home, after she leaves her car at the garage. We got out of bed, were having breakfast when she arrived. Bonnie took her home—after she warmed up with a cup of coffee—a cold morning—I shaved, prepared to leave. Caught the 11:15 train for Boston. Read some, dozed some. Arrived at BU shortly before 1:00. Had my lunch, checked at the Bursar’s office about my refund check. Did some reading, then went to Beck’s OT Theology lecture—he was in prime form. Did some further reading when this was over, then at 3:30 joined Dr. Beck for making tea for seminar, which met from 4:00 to 6:00. Not really one of the better sessions—one member read his paper—but Beck had to cut him off at 5:00—he had a huge stack of sheets in his mss. I caught the 6:40 train home—but it didn’t leave til 7:00—and was delayed further—got home 50 minutes behind schedule. Had supper, then played with Debbie; since I got home late the evening was a short one—but I finished the chapter in Finckelstein on Pharisees, which I’d read on train. Started rereading Cross’s Qumran book; watched 11 o’clock news; bathed; watched Johnny Carson; OBLO 12:32.

Thursday, 5 February 1970

Up about 8:40. Bonnie’s big project for the day was a trip to the mills—she took Carol Lewis with her. I was in charge of baby-sitting—and Debbie and I got along very well. After Bonnie left I had my breakfast. Then I got to work rereading Frank Cross’s book, The Ancient Library of Qumran. Debbie was content to play in her room all day. We had lunch around 12:30. In the morning the mail man brought I.F. Stone’s Weekly, which I read immediately. After getting the two of us fed, I went back to reading Cross, and stayed with this most of the afternoon. Bonnie got home with bagsful of cloth. She napped a while, then we got supper—I baked a batch of corn-bread. We watched CBS news. After supper, Larry Burton called re: the visit with us tomorrow. I photographed Debbie sitting on the bed amongst all of Bonnie’s new cloth. Then I turned again to reading in Cross—got well over ½ through the book today. After 9 o’clock I turned to working on the sermon. I want to have it done when Burtons arrive. It’s on lent—vaguely—I’m not really very enthusiastic about it. Stopped to bathe c. 12 o’clock—listened to My Fair Lady, OBLO, 12:37. Θ+

Debbie sitting with lots of fabric, 1970

David’s Diary – January 28, 1970

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Wednesday, 28 January 1970

Up shortly after 8:30. Very weary. Bonnie ill—i.e. diarrhea. I fixed breakfast for myself and Debbie. It was largely a lost morning, because I wasn’t feeling too hot. I did make a trip down to Richdales for bread and milk. Bonnie wanted to sleep, so I played with Debbie in the back room—to keep her quiet. When the mail came I spent some time with it. I fixed Bonnie’s soup for lunch, had ham sandwich myself. Fed Debbie. Then I prepared to go to BU. I had planned on taking the 11:15 train, but to assist Bonnie I stayed home til about 2:00. I took Dr. Richardson’s Qumran slides to the Gloucester camera shop to have duplicated made—then drove on into Boston—found a parking space right in front of B.U.S.T.! Arrived about 3:30. Helped Beck make the tea. Seminar 4:00–6:00. Beck and I had an interesting chat afterwards re: the possibility of “many messiahs”—e.g. Martin Luther King; the exaggeration of JC.—how theology overloads, makes too much to this one man. Drove home, arrived c. 7:15—Bonnie wanted steak for supper—got one at Comeys [??] Market; had supper—watched shortly [or: ghastly] TV; then studied—Aramaic—til after 12:00. bathed; OBLO, 1:22.

Thursday, 29 January 1970

Up about 9:15. Had breakfast, then went to the P.O. to mail in a church report; got home, shaved, then prepared to go to Boston. Caught the 11:15 train. From N. Station I took the MTA—got off at Copley Square. Went browsing at book stores. The Paperback Booksmith a few doors from Cokesbury is closing. Went to Publ. Clearing house, then to another Paperback Booksmith. Then got back on the subway; took Riverside Car to Sears—picked up the circular slide tray that I’m going to use for the Qumran slides. I arrived at BU a few minutes before 2:00—had my second sandwich (had 1^st one on the train) Then went to OT Theology. When this was over at 3:00 went to the Zion Research Library—got 2 books, then did some further Aramaic. Met with Dr. Richardson from about 4:00 to 5:00—Elaine Follis was not there; we read colume [sic] XX:8-25 of Genesis Apocryphon—he seemed rather pleased with my work. We dismissed in time for me to get to N. Station to catch the 5:50 train. Got home about 7:15. Had supper—then devoted the evening—from about 9:00 on—to desk work, and reading Micah—and commentaries—for Sunday sermon; bathed, OBLO c. 11:45.

Friday, 30 January 1970

In a.m. Bonnie took two photos of Debbie + me. A long, tiring day; awake about 9:00—but didn’t get up til about 9:50. Had just OJ for breakfast. Then got to work on sermon—took time to look through the mail when it came. We had lunch around 12:00—then Bonnie left for work. Shaved. I wanted to get the sermon out of the way in the afternoon—but didn’t succeed. Early in the afternoon went off on errands with Debbie on my back—to the church to change the wayside pulpit, to the bank for cash, strolled briefly on Bear Skin Neck. Home by 2:00—then back to work on the sermon. Post man delivered Jastrow’s Aramaic Lexicon. Not too much progress made on the sermon, however. About 4:00 I decided to get the bulletin done—got the stencil cut; when this was finished I prepared for leaving, got clothes packed, brief case packed. Dressed. Debbie woke up, I changed her—Bonnie arrived home with Virginia. Shortly thereafter we left. Got to Don + Lawry’s about 6:30—had supper with them and Lawry’s folks. About 7:30 we left for concert hall at BU. 8:30–:10:00 Lawry’s graduate recital; then a party; Bonnie went to Rockport; I returned home with Don—worked briefly on sermon; spending the night here in Medford; OBLO shortly after 1:00 A.M.

Saturday, 31 January 1970

Up about 7:30—slept well, but rather sleepy on arising; shaved, had breakfast with Don and Lawry’s father. We left by car about 8:40. Picked up 3 more people—headed for Worcester. Got to Wesley church about 10:00. Met the Ornes there; I sat in the morning close to Merlin Levering. Things went relatively smoothly all day—BMCR didn’t take the 30 min. allotted to them—so no controversy or battle whatever. Lunch break at 12:15—ate with Paul Samuelson—also Charlie Whitford came along—hadn’t seen him since last June. For the afternoon session I sat with Homer + Saddie. Again there was not too much “fight”; joint session came at 3:00. Vote was over by 4:00—merger was adopted—somewhat to my surprise—I was not dogmatically for or against. When the vote was known, we sang the doxology. At such times I wish I could believe—I really felt a pang of sorrow about this as the doxology was sung. It was a magestic [sic], moving moment—the huge crowd, the powerful organ—but I just couldn’t sing it with feeling—I hardly sang it at all; we left immediately after—shortly after 4:00. I drove—we were home in Rockport shortly after 6:00. I napped. Supper around 7:00; then I played with Debbie—then got to work on sermon, and worked on the service; bathed, OBLO, 12:20.

My Path to Certification – Issue No. 3

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Since bringing home so many land deeds last week, I began the task of transcribing them. Out of seventy plus deeds, nine are completed. While doing this is important for the sake of my research (for my comprehension), transcribing the deeds serves a secondary purpose as well. For the Board of Certified Genealogists’ portfolio, items 3 and 4 (Document Work) consist of transcribing and abstracting a document, as well as constructing a research question, analysis, and formulating a research plan. There are no limitations on what type of document one chooses to transcribe and abstract, but two of the most common types of documents are wills and land deeds. The first time one transcribes a document should not be for the portfolio. Practice is required!

I consider myself a fairly competent transcriber, especially after deciphering my grandparents’ handwriting over the course of the WWII project. But transcribing wills and deeds requires an additional set of skills. Because these are legal documents, having a familiarity with legal terms is a must. Learning to recognize unfamiliar terms in a clerk’s chicken scratch can be difficult. Even though I have only transcribed nine deeds so far, I am very familiar with the terms “hereditaments” and “appurtenances” at this point. After a while the boilerplate language becomes predictable and easier to transcribe. Again, this is where I stress practice!

The Genealogy Standards address transcriptions in a couple of places. Standard 32: Transcribing, Abstracting, and Quoting Principles goes into great detail as to what is expected in a transcription, including “…when quoting and transcribing, genealogists render wording, spelling, numbering, abbreviations, superscripts, and similar features exactly as they appear in the original.” Doing this can be difficult with auto correct in a word processing program. Most of us cringe at misspelled words, phonetic challenges, and inconsistent spellings. However, when doing a transcription, it is vitally important to keep everything the same. I am reminded of the song from the second act of Hamilton when Angelica frets over the placement of a comma in one of Alexander’s letters because it changes the meaning of the phrase. This is why we must retain accuracy in transcriptions. For example, an incorrectly placed comma may create two children in a will when there is only one. (John, William vs. John William)

The book Professional Genealogy edited by Elizabeth Shown Mills has a chapter on transcribing and abstracting documents. Chapter 16 provides a variety of examples and forms, including wills, land deeds, and estate inventories. I highly recommend this chapter for anyone attempting transcriptions or abstracts. In fact, the book lays open on the floor by my desk as I work on my transcriptions.

Until next week! Sadly my summer vacation is almost over as I must return to the classroom very, very soon. August 1st—my self-imposed date for mailing in my preliminary application form to the Board for Certification of Genealogists is rapidly approaching as well!

Things I do in my spare time…I knit. I am almost done with a sweater for this fall. I should have it completed by next week.

My newest, soon-to-be finished, sweater, 2017

David’s Diary – January 23, 1970

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Friday, 23 January 1970

Got out of bed about 9:00. Had breakfast; my main concern for the day was the sermon—and I wasn’t much in the mood to write it. The first step was to re-read Hosea. When the mail came I took time to glance through it, including Life magazine. Then I went down to the church to change the wayside pulpit—also dropped in at St. Mary’s to tell Dick Bamforth the title for my Lenten series of lectures: “Light from the Ancient Past: Five Hebrew Prophets.” Came back home—worked further on the sermon til Bonnie called me to lunch. She went to work at 1:00—I continued on the sermon, Debbie played in her room. Cameron Sesto came over to borrow applesauce and baking-powder; I fed two batches of popcorn to the birds. I made substantial progress on the sermon; then I helped with supper when Bonnie got home—watched CBS news. We were playing with Debbie after supper in her room—she suddenly vomited—several gushes—but didn’t seem phased [sic!] by it. When she was settled Bonnie went to see Winnie Gamage; I finished sermon, did the bulletins; read briefly in Finkelstein: Pharisees; bathed; OB, read, LO 12:15.

Saturday, 24 January 1970

Up about 9:15. Had a quick breakfast, then got to work at my desk and in my study—restoring order and getting things taken care of. We got a letter from the Webers—announcing their hope of visiting us in February—bringing a 44 lb dog along! Our cats won’t appreciate that! Late in the morning I got to reading, in the last section of John Bright’s History of Israel. Stopped for lunch; as we were finishing Carol Lewis dropped in. While she and Bonnie chatted I shaved, prepared to leave to do calling. I went to Gloucester and bought mimeo paper—stopped at Mals and at the grocery store. Then went to see the Hannibals. Then spent time with Esther Longley and Lucy Patience. My calling was over about 5:15. Came home; Bonnie was napping, but then we started on supper. She baked a cake while I made the beef stroganoff. After supper I did some more reading in Bright—made the frosting for the cake. Then I prepared the service for tomorrow; I loathe writing the pastoral prayer—an irrelevant exercise if ever there was one. Then turned again to Bright’s HI; stopped to bathe about 10:30.

Sunday, 25 January 1970

Up before 8:30. Shaved—had only juice for breakfast. Practiced sermon; my class arrived about 9:30. We read the first 3 chapters of Amos. Then I left for the church—bigger than usual crowd—41. Preached on Hosea. We got home, had lunch, then I was able to relax briefly. Also helped Bonnie in her efforts to put several puzzles together—children’s puzzles. About 2 o’clock I left—got gas, picked up Homer + Saddie—we went to Lynn, Christ UMC—a meeting to discuss the merger plan. Got there late—about 3:15—meeting was over about 5:00. Had a chance to chat with Don McGaw. There seems to be little enthusiasm for the merger. It snowed while the meeting was in progress—and was still snowing when we left. So we had to come home rather slowly. Didn’t get home til after 6:00. Had supper. Then about 7:15 left for Riverdale Church for Methodist Men—a program on the drug problem on Cape Ann—a good turnout, 18. A good, effective program too. I left there around 9:30. Went to the Patriquins (swung by Alan’s house—no activity—no car)—had “mug-ups”—watched Mission Impossible; home by 11:30.

Monday, 26 January 1970

Couldn’t get to sleep last night—still tossing and turning at 3:00 A.M. Came downstairs to sleep—to avoid being disturbed by Bonnie tossing and turning. Didn’t really sleep too well. I was clearly awake by 9:00. Went to bed upstairs, but was up by 9:45. Had juice and cake for breakfast. Prepared letters to the two fellows who spoke to Methodist Men last night. Then went to the bank to get checks for them, then to the P.O., then to Homer Orne. I was there until about 12:30—filling in the annual reports. Came home in time for Bonnie to leave for work. Had my lunch, fed Debbie. Tried to nap, without any luck. In the middle of the afternoon I turned to my reading. By 5:00 I had finished my reading in John Bright’s History of Israel. Then I turned to Martin Noth’s history of Israel. Bonnie got home exhausted—we then worked on supper. Call from Walter Aufrecht. Watched CBS news. In the evening Bonnie went to rehearsal of Community Chorus—I played with Debbie, did some phoning, then continued to read in Noth. We had planned to go swimming at Tuchs, but Bonnie came home exhausted—I too am exhausted. Read all evening; bathed after 11; OBLO 11:45.

Tuesday, 27 January 1970

Up about 9:15. Shaved immediately—hadn’t shaved yesterday—then had a big glass of OJ for breakfast. Got to work immediately reading in Noth’s HI; finished what I wanted to cover in it about 11:00; puttered around until the mail came. Concerned myself with several items in it (including a long letter re: conference merger from Blaine Taylor); we had lunch around 1:00. Then Bonnie left for work. Read in I.F. Stone Weekly. My main concern for the afternoon was to read chapters in I Kings in preparation for Bible Class tonight. When Debbie woke up—about 2:45—I changed her, then gave her lunch; at this time I popped 3 batches of popcorn—gave it to the birds along with scraps of chicken + chicken fat. After Debbie had eaten she played contentedly in her room the rest of the afternoon. I finished preparations in I Kings, then turned to preparing Dr. Richardson’s slides to send to Mail-A-Way; I had to clean the thin glass plates. Bonnie got home about 5:30, put supper in the oven. I watched CBS news at 6:30. About 7:00 we ate. The Bible class met from 8:00-9: 30; 6 in attendance. Afterwards had a snack; then straightened up my desk, read articles in IDB.